St. John’s Wort (Hypericum Perforatum)
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According to an old legend, St. John’s Wort grew abundantly on the hill where Jesus was crucified. It is a plant known under many names and associated with countless beliefs and rituals. One of them holds that if the plant is thrown in a fire, its smoke will repel demons. Another superstition says that when placed between two slices of bread St. John’s Wort will guard against illness.
Presently, St. John’s Wort is well known as an anti-depressant and a cure for insomnia. The essential oil can be used to improve the mood, fight tiredness and exhaustion and enhance mental capacities.
St. John's Wort oil can also be used in cases of infections of the gastro-intestinal tract - ulcer, acute and chronic gastritis, enterocolitis and digestive disorders - heartburn, diarrhea, etc. It has spasmolytic effect on the smooth muscles, bile ducts, intestines, blood vessels and the ureters. It acts as a diuretic and prevents the formation of gall stones and improves the capillary walls.
St. John's Wort oil is also helpful to the cardiovascular system through improving the functioning of the heart blood vessels and regulating the pulse. It generally stimulates the immune system and is beneficial in treating burns, wounds, abscesses and other skin conditions.
Its cosmetic applications are against wrinkles, as a cleanser and toner.
St. John’s Wort is also used in the food industry as a preservative and disinfectant. It is common as a flavoring in liqueurs and is utilized in leather tanning.
ESSENTIAL OIL PROPERTIES |
Appearance:
homogenous liquid
Color:
varies from greenish to reddish
Aroma:
specific of the plant, earthy, balmy
Plant parts used in distillation:
above ground parts
Growing method:
wild |
Composition:
pinene, sesquiterpene, xanthone, isovaleric acid esters, etc.
Storage:
in well-sealed containers at 5 to 15º C, away from direct sunshine or heat sources, in well-ventilated premises
Shelf life:
5 years
Harvesting period:
June through August |
DISCLAIMER
Essential oils are highly concentrated substances and must be used with caution. The information on this website is provided as general knowledge only and is not intended as any medical or professional advice. The medicinal qualities of essential oils have not been evaluated by the FDA and should be applied only by licensed professionals. Rose Valley Oils does not assume any responsibility for the use of essential oils.
Copying and reproducing this text in any way or incorporating it in other texts is prohibited unless express written agreement is provided by Rose Valley Oils. |
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